Relativistic Mechanics - Classical Limit

Classical Limit

Notice that γ can be expanded into a Taylor series or binomial series for v2/c2 < 1, obtaining:

and consequently

For velocities much smaller than that of light, one can neglect the terms with c2 and higher in the denominator. These formulas then reduce to the standard definitions of Newtonian kinetic energy and momentum. This is as it should be, for special relativity must agree with Newtonian mechanics at low velocities.

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